A quack doctor‘s remedy for everything from bruises and chilblains to gout and ricketts. You can’t go wrong with Opodeldoc; you can use it on horses too.
'Just received by the Printer hereof, (And may be had of him, and his newsmen,) A fresh PARCEL of Dr. STEERS'S Chemical O P O D E L D O C, For Bruises, Sprains, Rheumatism, &c. In Bottles of 2s. 6d. and 1s. 6d. each.
This incomparable Opodeldoc (so universally esteemed for its superior Efficacy) is warm, penetrating, and attenuating, and is therefore an excellent Embrocation for the Gout and Rheumatism, dissolving the coajulated Lymph, of which those Diseases are formed.
In wounded Tendons it is likewise of the greatest Service, by Preventing the Juice which oozes out of them from fixing, and by its Tension occasioning those fatal Effects that often arise from them.
Bruises and Sprains it infallibly cures ; for it keeps the extravasated Lymph and Blood perfectly dissolved, prevents their fixing in the Interstices of the Vessels, ’till Nature either takes them up by the refluent Blood, or expels them through the Pores of the Skin.
Long contracted Sprains are removed by it, and it is of the utmost Service for weak and ricketty Children ; as also for Numbness, Stiffness or Weakness in the Joints.
It is a most efficacious Remedy for Burns and Scalds, extracting the Fire very soon, and if used immediately will entirely prevent them from blistering.
It speedily cures violent Pinches and Wounds under the Nails ; is excellent for a fresh Cut, and is of infinite Use for the Sting of Wasps, &c. and the Bite of Gnats and other venemous Insects.
For Chilblains or Chaps in the Hands or Feet, it is by far the best Remedy known, removing them very speedily, and if applied in Time will hinder them from breaking.
It is remarkably pleasant to the Smell, and for sudden Head-achs, equal to any of the volatile Essences.
N.B. This Opodeldoc is of the greatest Service for Horses that are strained in the back Sinews, wrung in the Withers, or have their Backs galled with the Saddle ; as likewise for swelled or cracked Heels, Wind Galls, old Strains, &c. and being so simple in the Application, is preferable to any other Preparation for Travellers.’
Stamford Mercury, 16 January, 1783.